Kenya is home to three types of giraffe, and each lives in a different place and looks a little different. Knowing which one you’ll meet where makes it easier to plan your safari giraffe photos in Kenya. One source puts Kenya’s giraffe population at more than 29,000.
Three giraffes, three looks
| Type | Where in Kenya | What to notice |
|---|---|---|
| Masai giraffe | Maasai Mara and the southern savanna | Jagged, leaf-shaped patches |
| Reticulated giraffe | Samburu, Laikipia, Lewa and the north | Sharp, net-like lines; found only in northern Kenya and Somalia |
| Rothschild’s giraffe | Lake Nakuru, Giraffe Centre in Nairobi | Pale lower legs and paler patches |
Best places for giraffe photos
Maasai Mara. Big herds of Masai giraffes stand against open plains, often with zebras in the same frame. Sunset herds are a Mara classic.
Samburu and the northern conservancies. Reticulated giraffes feed among thorn trees and dry riverbeds. They are extremely vulnerable, so every sighting here is special.
Lake Nakuru. This is the place for Rothschild’s giraffes, and you may see males “necking” in fights, which makes for dramatic frames.
Giraffe Centre and Giraffe Manor, Nairobi. Here the Rothschild’s giraffes come to visitors, and you can feed them by hand at the Centre or from the balconies at the Manor. It’s easy close-up photography, though it isn’t wild behaviour. For the Manor, see our Giraffe Manor guide.
Giraffe shots to look for
Mother and calf moments, such as gentle nuzzling, are worth waiting for.
At Nakuru, necking fights between males give you the most action.
A giraffe drinking at a lake or pool has an awkward, splayed stance, which is exactly why the picture is so striking.
Giraffes with zebras or other animals give a sense of scale.
At dusk, look for silhouettes, especially by water.
And don’t skip close-up portraits of the face and patterned neck.
How to shoot giraffes
- Go early and late. Golden light flatters the patterns, and the animals are more active.
- Mind the frame. A giraffe is tall, so shoot a vertical portrait or step back for a wide scene.
- Use a long lens for portraits and a wide lens for wide scenes with acacia trees.
- Get on their level if you can, and avoid shooting steeply upward at the head.
- Watch the background. Position the vehicle so branches or other animals don’t clutter the shot.
- Wait for behaviour. Patience beats rushing, as it does for all wildlife photography.
Respect the animals
Keep your distance and stay in the vehicle. At the Giraffe Centre, follow staff guidance on feeding.
Where to go for safari giraffe photos in Kenya
The best giraffe photos come from knowing which giraffe lives where, going out at golden hour, and waiting for a moment worth capturing. Head to the Mara for herds, the north for reticulated giraffes, Nakuru for Rothschild’s, and Nairobi for an easy close encounter. Bring a long lens and a wide one, and be patient.
Related reading
- Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, staying with the giraffes
- Best time to visit Maasai Mara, timing for herds and light
- Private vs group safari, a private vehicle helps photographers
- Kenya safari packing list, what gear to bring